B.M. in Music Composition

Overview

The Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Composition at Biola's Conservatory of Music will give you opportunities to compose concert and film music, learn valuable skills in music business and technology; and explore what it means to be a composer committed to Christ.

Numerous opportunities for original works to be performed and recorded

Close proximity to Los Angeles

Competitions and National Conferences such as PERC, CFAMC

Special scholarship awards

Small, close-knit community of Christian believers

What Will I Study?

Each year you will write in a wide variety of styles while studying privately with some of the finest composers in the Los Angeles area. Multiple annual concerts feature the works of Conservatory composition students while additional competitions provide feedback from Conservatory and guest judges. Composition students also partner with Biola's Cinema and Media Arts department, gaining valuable experience in scoring for film. A large and talented studio of composition majors will give you a community to thrive in, and Biola's proximity to Los Angeles, one of the artistic centers of the world, puts you in just the right location to experience the music industry firsthand.

Through the faculty's integrated encouragement and honest critique, I have been apprenticed in my craft, equipped to see and to listen, to diagnose and to learn. They have aided in coaxing my intentions and creative fragments into unique realities, and they have shown me the immense possibilities while putting the tools in my hands. Biola's Composition Department provided a place for me to be richly and individually challenged, stretched, strengthened and matured, and through their mentorship, I am able to confidently continue this lifelong journey of learning!

My time at Biola prepared me for life as a young composer in more ways than one. My mentors gave me priceless guidance, both artistic and practical, in succeeding as a professional musician. I know I can approach any new project, commission, or collaboration with confidence because of what I learned at the Biola Conservatory.

My experience as a student at Biola was transformative, both musically and spiritually. The first-rate music faculty was nurturing and supportive of me, even years after I graduated. I am blessed to have made friends with students and faculty who continue to enrich my life.

In the composition department at Biola, you can tailor your education to what fits your interests. Since I was particularly interested in writing for musical theatre, I spent much of my time during my last year honing my songwriting skills. Although I focused more on composing for theatre, I felt like my experience studying composition at Biola was very well rounded and I had the chance to write in many genres and for many instruments/ensembles as well.

Everywhere you go, you wear your faith. When you have the Holy Spirit, when you have that core, it doesn’t falter. No matter what major, what classes you’re in or what you’re studying, soak it up. It’s what shapes you... Soak up the serenity, those peaceful places on campus. Once you leave, you have to be a lot more intentional.

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary by student depending on background and courseload.

141

Total Program Credits

Total program credits include a combination of major/concentration, Bible/theology and general education credits.

WSCUC / NASM

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

Career Paths

Whether it's writing music for the big screen, composing music for the world's great concert halls, or teaching composition and theory at the university level, our graduates are impacting the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:

Composer

Copyist

Film score writer

Music arranger

Film music orchestrator

Principal accompanist

Professor of composition

What are Graduates Doing Now?

Many composition students pursue graduate studies, while others move directly into the music industry. Biola music composition graduates have become recognizable masters in their artistry. Highlights include:

Grammy Award Winning Performing Artist

Winner of The ASCAP Foundation Max Dreyfus Scholarship

Film Composer and Orchestrator for Warner Bros. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

ASCAP Composer to Watch

Nomination for the Best Original Score: Biola Film Festival and Southeastern 180 Film Festival

Featured Solo Violinist Seattle Pacific University Jazz Ensemble

Assistant to Academy & Emmy Award Winner, Todd Boekelheide

Graduate study at prestigious schools such as New York University, European American Musical Alliance in Paris, University of Southern California, Eastman School of Music, and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.